Anxiety Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing a VA addendum opinion. The Veteran's claim on appeal is related to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran seeks recognition of his son Z.G. as a 'helpless child' due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to attaining age 18. The Board finds that the evidence does not support this claim, as Z.G. was still considered capable of self-support at age 18.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD with anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorder warrants a 70 percent disability rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's persistent adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression is granted as service-connected, and a 30% disability rating has been assigned. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric, right knee, bilateral hip, and back disorders are not service-connected. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression and anxiety disorder, is secondary to his service-connected right ankle osteochondritis dissecans and degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service connection claim for PTSD is granted based on his reported in-service personal assaults and combat experiences.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations in the original decision. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder and depressive disorder, as well as hypertension.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder effective February 26, 2008 and a rating of 70 percent effective April 15, 2016. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's service connection claim for cause of death, as well as his entitlement to death pension. The claims are being remanded for an addendum opinion from a VA clinical psychologist.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has been manifested by occupational and social impairment with occasional decrease in work efficiency and intermittent periods of inability to perform occupational tasks, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD or adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal regarding the effective date for the grant of service connection for PTSD, previously evaluated as Anxiety Disorder. The issue is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to bilateral hearing loss, and the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis under VA regulations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including mood disorders and PTSD. The issues of entitlement to a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and nonservice-connected pension are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including on a secondary basis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome and COPD, have manifested to a compensable degree prior to December 31, 2021. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if any current psychiatric disorder is related to military service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than his already service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence in remission) has been denied as there is no evidence of a separately diagnosed condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainfully employment, and the Board grants a TDIU for the entire appeal period.